COLUMBUS, OH – 29 Oct, 2015 – ​Today, Ardina, provider of the digital healthcare membership that makes healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone, launched a new program to help employees at Central Ohio businesses that do not offer health insurance benefits, better understand and manage the Open Enrollment process. By partnering with top insurance brokers in the region, Ardina is providing free on-site consultations and access to experts (including Spanish speakers) to help employees at local businesses minimize the confusion and maximize the opportunity to secure the best healthcare plan for them. As a fellow Columbus-based startup, Ardina hopes its open enrollment programs and affordable healthcare membership plans not only save individuals time and money, but also help small businesses compete with large companies when it come to providing attractive benefits options to employees.

Open enrollment takes place between November 1 and January 31 and refers to the time when insurance carriers are required to accept all applicants. As it is generally held once a year, it is critical that consumers make the most of this process, and act swiftly to make the right decision. According to Healthcare.gov, more than 45 million Americans are eligible to enroll in health insurance; however, a 2014 study found over 40 percent of uninsured Americans said they were confused about last year’s health insurance enrollment process and would have wanted in-person support.

“Employers and individuals are looking for benefits options that maximize their coverage and minimize their out-of-pocket expenses, which can be hard to find with high deductible market exchange plans,” said Eric O’Brien insurance broker. “Whether you’re a law firm, a beauty salon or a retailer, the landscape can be confusing for every small business, which is why it only makes sense for us to partner with an innovator like Ardina. Our joint program aims to help businesses and individuals find the best insurance option for their families as well as understand supplemental options that can defray the cost and improve access to primary care.”

“Open Enrollment is the time for individuals and families to assess and finalize their healthcare plans for the year ahead,” said Shaun Young, founder & CEO of Ardina. “However, we understand that this is also one of the busiest times of year for people, which is why we’re trying to demystify the process and ensure it’s more efficient for everyone in Central Ohio. We also know every American can use help managing their healthcare, which is why we’re in the business of providing on-demand expert advice all year round.”

Ardina supplements health insurance to provide members with unlimited, 24/7 virtual access to licensed healthcare professionals and deep discounts on out-of-pocket expenses. By putting subscribers in control of their healthcare with on-demand access, better insight into pricing, and tools to meet individual needs, Ardina is making healthcare more convenient.

The company has compiled a few of its top Dos and Don’ts to help every American better understand how to select the right healthcare plan:

• DON’T forget about deadlines: The deadline for Open Enrollment is January 31; so it’s important to start researching your options now to ensure you don’t miss the cut off date.

• DO understand all of your options: Take the time to research all of your eligible healthcare plans and supplemental benefits options and weigh the pros and cons of each. Although it can be tempting to choose the first one you find, it’s important to compare options to save you time and money in the long run.

• DON’T forget to assess the total package: Before making a decision, look at the entire plan and costs, including your deductible, monthly payment and tax implications.

• DON’T forget to research the network: Research which doctors, hospitals and healthcare facilities are part of your plan to ensure it’s convenient for you and meets your needs. Often times, this can be an after thought behind the cost of the plan, but can pose problems if you’re not familiar with who is part of your network.

• DO ask experts for help: Sites like Healthcare.gov and mosaicemployeebenefits.com are wonderful resources to help answer questions and navigate the complexities of healthcare insurance. Insurance experts can help you understand if you qualify for subsidies, which supplemental benefit options are available to you, etc.

Ardina will host several pop-up events this open enrollment season at local incubators like Rev1 and the Columbus Idea Foundry for startups, freelancers, makers, and other individuals, to offer benefits sign-up assistance and education.

Any Central Ohio businesses interested in scheduling an on-site employee benefits consultation workshop with Ardina and its insurance expert network can sign up online at:www.myardina.com/openenrollment

About Ardina

Ardina is modernizing healthcare to make it more accessible and affordable for everyone. With Ardina’s digital healthcare membership, subscribers gain unlimited, 24/7 virtual access to licensed healthcare professionals and deep discounts on out-of-pocket expenses. Ardina puts members in control of their healthcare with on-demand access, better insight into pricing, and tools to meet individual needs. Ardina is not health insurance, but a more convenient way to get healthcare with plans starting at just $10/month for an entire family.